Wedding Blog - Flawless Wedding Advice

Celebrating Love: The Journey of Nearlyweds

Written by Alyssa Keith | May 5, 2023 12:48:00 AM

We believe that the diversity of love should be mirrored in the language of our industry. We proudly took the initiative to encourage inclusivity by coining the term "nearlywed" back in 2019, and we've continued making changes to help everyone continue to feel welcome and included when they celebrate at one of our venues.

What is a "nearlywed," you ask? Well, it refers to any individual, irrespective of their gender or sexual orientation, who is engaged and nearing their wedding day. We want everyone to feel included and cherished throughout their engagement. 

 


Own Your Love Story

We're all about you celebrating your one-of-a-kind love story on your wedding day. That means being 100% authentic to you as a couple. At Wedgewood Weddings, we're big fans of everyone and who they really are. Our mission? To make love the headliner! After all, isn't a wedding just a big party for true, unconditional love? That's our vibe, and we're all in. Let's knock down those walls and make sure you have the best darn wedding experience you could imagine.

 

Getting married soon? Consider yourself a nearlywed!


As a nearlywed, you are embarking on a journey filled with romance, anticipation, and memorable moments leading up to your special day. We are committed to celebrating each stage with you. So, embrace this journey, revel in the shared excitement, and make the most of these unique moments as nearlyweds.

Here at Wedgewood Weddings, we have fostered an environment centered around the ethos of "love, not labels." With significant experience in the wedding industry, we recognize language's considerable role in crafting an inclusive atmosphere. That's why we strive to establish an industry where the language is as varied and welcoming as the couples we're privileged to serve.

There is a trend towards a more personalized approach to wedding vows. Many couples are moving away from traditional phrases that may reinforce outdated societal norms. For example, using "I take you as my partner" instead of "I take you as my wife/husband" gives couples the freedom to express their commitment in a way that resonates with their unique relationship, ensuring all parties feel seen and valued.

Another area where we can see a shift in language is within the realm of the "bridal party." This term can be replaced with "wedding party" or "I do crew," welcoming all individuals involved, irrespective of gender identity or role. Similarly, using terms like "honor attendant" or "best person" rather than the traditional "maid of honor" or "best man" is another way to ensure inclusivity.

These are just a few of the ways language can be adapted to ensure that everyone feels included and represented. It's a beautiful testament to the evolving nature of love and our industry's recognition of it. The new lingo invites all couples, regardless of their identity, to celebrate their love unabashedly and authentically. After all, love is a universal language, and it's high time our wedding industry reflects that.

Beyond terminology, we are committed to creating a fully inclusive experience. Our team, reflecting the diversity of our society, is well-versed in providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.

We want to assist you in crafting a wedding that authentically represents your unique love story. Whether you wish to incorporate traditional customs with a personal touch or desire a celebration wholly reflective of your personality, we stand ready to realize your vision.

 


Creating a Comfort Zone: Our Team's Commitment to You


When it comes to embracing everyone, we don't just stop at inclusive language. We want to create an atmosphere that feels like a warm hug—a complete, wholesome experience as welcoming as your favorite cozy blanket. That starts right from our team. We ensure our crew is as diverse as the couples we cater to, and they're all clued up on inclusive terminology and practices.

Our lineup of event designs is as diverse as it gets, so there's something to tickle everyone's fancy. And while our packages have all the essentials covered, we're all about that extra sprinkle of personal touch. We're big believers in couples having their day, their way.

Take our clients, Kayla and Robin, for example. They managed to mix traditional Jewish rituals with a sprinkle of their shared love for travel. They had a traditional Jewish Ketubah signing before the main event, danced the hora, and even had a whiskey toast to pay homage to their adventures in Japan. They also had a same-sex interfaith couple (who they really look up to) leading their ceremony—talk about personal and meaningful!

Then there's the whirlwind of fun that was Ryan and Ry's wedding. They wanted their day to be as bright and bubbly as they are, so they went all out with bubble guns, flash mobs, and drag queens. The team at their venue, Union Brick, said it might have been one of the most entertaining ceremonies they've ever been part of. Now, that's a wedding that's hard to forget!

We absolutely love the diversity of our nearlyweds and their creative ideas for their big days. So go on, bring all of you to the table! We promise we'll be there, ready to listen, learn, and make the journey from nearlywed to newlywed one of the best rides of your life.

 
We're Here for You

Our squad is all in to ensure your wedding day is everything you've dreamed of. We'll work alongside you to capture your unique style and personality. And hey, we're spread out all across the country, and we've got packages that'll fit any budget. So, wherever you are, whatever you've got in mind, we're on it. From the first hello to the last dance, we've got your back.

Ready to commence your journey as nearlyweds? Contact us today, and let us join you in turning your dream wedding into a reality.